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Koch was enrolled in Tae Kwon Do classes at the age of four,[5] receiving his black belt by the age of ten[3] and piquing his interest in MMA. With help from his older brother, Keoni, who helps run an MMA gym in Iowa with Dave Sherzer (Hard Drive MMA), Erik started MMA-style striking and grappling before the age of 14. Koch would later drop out of Washington High School to pursue a professional career in mixed martial arts.[6]

Koch made his professional MMA debut in 2007. Fighting primarily in Iowa, he amassed an undefeated streak of 8-0 before being signed to World Extreme Cagefighting.

He was scheduled to fight Wagnney Fabiano at WEC 43 on September 2, 2009,[7] but was forced to withdraw from the bout due to an undisclosed injury while training. Koch was replaced by WEC newcomer Mackens Semerzier.[8] Now Koch made his WEC debut against Jameel Massouh on December 19 for WEC 45.[9] Koch defeated Massouh via unanimous decision.

Koch rebounded from his first professional loss as he faced Bendy Casimir on June 20, 2010 at WEC 49.[11] He won the fight via Submission due to a Triangle Choke in the first round.

Koch was expected to face Josh Grispi on November 11, 2010 at WEC 52.[12] However, due to the UFC/WEC merger, the fight was scratched as Grispi was awarded a title fight with current WEC featherweight champion Jose Aldo to determine the first ever UFC featherweight champion. Koch defeated promotional newcomer Francisco Rivera via first round TKO, earning Knockout of the Night honors.[13]